Bridleway marked on OU map but only a footpath sign there?

[maisie1988]

Hi,

There are loads of bridleways marked on an OU map I got today from the local tourist info (so should be up to date). There all around my livery. I walked and drove to a few.... some I couldn't even figure out there they were... but other I found but only had a public footpath sign no bridleway sign.

There are loads and not one of them ahs a bridleway sign? So can I ride on them? The one I really like it a wide grass track up the middle of fields (hedge either side) looks great for a little hack, a gate so easy to open but it just says it a footpath even tho on my map it says it a bridleway?

It is the green dashes for bridleway isn't it????

Thanks, Nikki

 

[blackcob]

Long green dashes only - short green dashes are footpaths.

 

[t411y]

Hi,

There are loads of bridleways marked on an OU map I got today from the local tourist info (so should be up to date). There all around my livery. I walked and drove to a few.... some I couldn't even figure out there they were... but other I found but only had a public footpath sign no bridleway sign.

There are loads and not one of them ahs a bridleway sign? So can I ride on them? The one I really like it a wide grass track up the middle of fields (hedge either side) looks great for a little hack, a gate so easy to open but it just says it a footpath even tho on my map it says it a bridleway?

It is the green dashes for bridleway isn't it????

Thanks, Nikki

The slightly longer,thicker green dashes are bridle paths, wheres the footpaths are shorter and thinner. So you might have got confused between them, especially if there weren't both types to compare?

 

[Passtheshampoo]

Hi,

There are loads of bridleways marked on an OU map I got today from the local tourist info (so should be up to date). There all around my livery. I walked and drove to a few.... some I couldn't even figure out there they were... but other I found but only had a public footpath sign no bridleway sign.

There are loads and not one of them ahs a bridleway sign? So can I ride on them? The one I really like it a wide grass track up the middle of fields (hedge either side) looks great for a little hack, a gate so easy to open but it just says it a footpath even tho on my map it says it a bridleway?

It is the green dashes for bridleway isn't it????

Thanks, Nikki

As above long green dashes for a bridleway short green dashes footpath, so frustrating isn't it!!

 

[Ginge Crosby]

Long green dashes for bridleways, long green dashes with dots are byways which horses can use. Best thing would be to get in touch with your local bridleways officer. Or ask other liveries/yard manager. Most of the routes round here aren't signposted, but marked on maps. I've learned them from the past YM, from speaking with my local bridleways officer who I found by word of mouth on FB, and asking locals. Most OS maps have a key which tell you what the different routes are and whether horses can use them.

 

[maisie1988]

oh yeah, im so thick ... I looked at the key, they are defiantly bridlepaths... big thick green long dashes... the footpath ones are smaller.

So defiantly bridleways. But no sign? What do you think? Can I use them?

Thanks for all replys so quick!!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I would yes! Just flash your map if anyone asks

 

[Dizzydancer]

I would- carry the Map if anyone stops you then show it. A few bridle ways here are only foot path signs.

 

[Rhodders]

I know its against the rules but my take on it was always, if its wide enough for a car, you on a horse and a person on foot can happily pass - good to go

 

[Whoopit]

I had an experience of this once. Definitely a bridlepath on the OS Map but turned out someone had decided it was a footpath as it had styles on it and tiny footbridges over the worst of the marshy sections so I couldn't pass them.

 

[t411y]

Same as above - I'd go, if only questions it show map/feign stupidity/say you're lost Will probably find it's signposted at the other end

 

[maisie1988]

Ok well I think ill go for it then, and have the map in my bag, jus incase!!

I already walked some with my dog, they are so fab!! Be a hole new world of riding!! Some wouldn't be any good but others are brill. Just been too nerves.

Ok thanks guys I think ill go for it, with the map and hope I don't get yelled at or in any trouble!!

Thank you

 

[criso]

If you want to be sure check the definitive map which your local council has. Some are available online

http://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Definitive-maps-online

 

[maisie1988]

Same as above - I'd go, if only questions it show map/feign stupidity/say you're lost Will probably find it's signposted at the other end

Haha it could be at the other end!!

 

[Ginge Crosby]

like i said, most of ours arent signposted, and we all use them. There is one that is marked on the map but not signposted; recently a new signpost was put up - and it mysteriously dissappeared a few days later. I wouldnt personally use that one, as it gives me the impression that the land owner doesnt want it used. But i'm a wimp and i don't like confrontation, and its a little out of the way compared to our normal routes. but if it was on my doorstep i would use it, and if questioned i would point them in the direction of an accurate OS map.

I really would get in touch with your local bridleways officer - ours has been a massive help, if there are any issues with access or gates she gets on the case straightaway. s/he'll be able to tell you if there have been any reports of issues on bridleways in your area, and also tell you if there are any other byways/rights of way in your area that you can use. There is very much a 'use it or lose it' attitude with the councils with regard to bridleways, so if you figure out where the routes are on a map and in real life i'd go for it.

 

[maisie1988]

If you want to be sure check the definitive map which your local council has. Some are available online

http://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Definitive-maps-online

Oh im Leominster, Herefordshire... were not on there??

 

[maisie1988]

Oh im Leominster, Herefordshire... were not on there??

Sorry found it under Worcester... lol ill look now , thank you

 

[maisie1988]

like i said, most of ours arent signposted, and we all use them. There is one that is marked on the map but not signposted; recently a new signpost was put up - and it mysteriously dissappeared a few days later. I wouldnt personally use that one, as it gives me the impression that the land owner doesnt want it used. But i'm a wimp and i don't like confrontation, and its a little out of the way compared to our normal routes. but if it was on my doorstep i would use it, and if questioned i would point them in the direction of an accurate OS map.

I really would get in touch with your local bridleways officer - ours has been a massive help, if there are any issues with access or gates she gets on the case straightaway. s/he'll be able to tell you if there have been any reports of issues on bridleways in your area, and also tell you if there are any other byways/rights of way in your area that you can use. There is very much a 'use it or lose it' attitude with the councils with regard to bridleways, so if you figure out where the routes are on a map and in real life i'd go for it.

ok thank you, im the same I don't like falling out with anyone! I think ill do that and seek out advice!

 

[criso]

I prefer it to the ordnance survey as not only is it more up to date but the different colours make it easier than difference sizes of green dashes.

 

[blackcob]

If I could hijack for a moment while we've got all the bridleway people in one place...? We've recently moved as well and I've been diligently walking new bridleway routes on foot with the dogs before I attempt them on horseback.

I've encountered one route that is absolutely 100% a bridleway - on definitive map and well waymarked - that passes across the middle of a crop field. There's no track been left and no margin around the edge to use instead, it's been ploughed and sown right up to the hedge. I am very, very hesitant to go riding over the crop, especially in the recent wet weather - can I really go galloping all over it?

 

[CazD]

Oh im Leominster, Herefordshire... were not on there??

oooh whereabouts? I used to use a lot of the bridleways around the Hamnish area although that was about 20 years ago.

where I live now a "gentleman" is well know for removing the bridleway signs - the council put them up and he removes them within days. he hates horses and riders so does everything to make life difficult including refusing to slow down on the roads when passing us.

 

[criso]

If I could hijack for a moment while we've got all the bridleway people in one place...? We've recently moved as well and I've been diligently walking new bridleway routes on foot with the dogs before I attempt them on horseback.

I've encountered one route that is absolutely 100% a bridleway - on definitive map and well waymarked - that passes across the middle of a crop field. There's no track been left and no margin around the edge to use instead, it's been ploughed and sown right up to the hedge. I am very, very hesitant to go riding over the crop, especially in the recent wet weather - can I really go galloping all over it?

Contact the council rights of way office, if the path goes across the field he should have left a clear path. If it goes round the edge he should have left a margin.

Where i used to be they would plough the field but then would roll and flatten where the path went so it was still visible and usable.

I think they have a time limit to reinstate it.

 

[Ginge Crosby]

If I could hijack for a moment while we've got all the bridleway people in one place...? We've recently moved as well and I've been diligently walking new bridleway routes on foot with the dogs before I attempt them on horseback.

I've encountered one route that is absolutely 100% a bridleway - on definitive map and well waymarked - that passes across the middle of a crop field. There's no track been left and no margin around the edge to use instead, it's been ploughed and sown right up to the hedge. I am very, very hesitant to go riding over the crop, especially in the recent wet weather - can I really go galloping all over it?

I probably wouldnt go straight through the middle. Its not likely to endear you to the farmer. Is there absolutely no room around the edge? If not, I would either find out who the farmer is, and ask him genuinely what he would like you to do. If he tells you you're not to ride through the field, and you cant go around the edge, its something i'd raise with your bridleways officer. Or if you don't know who owns/farms the land, i'd go straight to the officer who's likely to be able to advise. I know i keep banging on about bridleways officers, but ours has been so fantastic it really would be my first port of call.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

If I could hijack for a moment while we've got all the bridleway people in one place...? We've recently moved as well and I've been diligently walking new bridleway routes on foot with the dogs before I attempt them on horseback.

I've encountered one route that is absolutely 100% a bridleway - on definitive map and well waymarked - that passes across the middle of a crop field. There's no track been left and no margin around the edge to use instead, it's been ploughed and sown right up to the hedge. I am very, very hesitant to go riding over the crop, especially in the recent wet weather - can I really go galloping all over it?

A responsible landowner would have left a track to indicate where the path is - we have a few that go right across the middle of ploughed fields and you are perfectly within your rights to ride it.

 

[Boxers]

In cases where you aren't sure whether to go across the middle of a field, I have found aerial views of the area have been helpful, quite often you can see the route of the path from an aerial view. For instance, near me there is a bridlepath that goes at an angle across a sown field but it was not marked. But I could see it on an aerial view and so rode it the next day. Te next time I rode it, the farmer had marked it out by using weedkiller on the crop, must've seen our hoofprints!

 

[Rose Folly]

Firstly, contact your local Council and ask for the Public Rights of Way Officer's (PROW) number. That department can clarify which are definitely (and equally important, functioning) bridleways. Some bridleways sadly are impassible, either through malice or neglect.

Secondly, join or start a local bridleways group. You can do so much more as a responsible group, working with the blessing of the PROW department. I was secretary of our local group here for some years, and we did such a lot, opening up lost routes and helping clear and maintain existing ones.

Be careful about trespassing. If in doubt, it is only courteous in the first place to try to find out who the local landowner is. You can always verify things with the PROW, but courtesy costs nothing. There was a place near here where it looked, on cursory examination of the map, that a bridleway joined a certain lane. In fact it didn't - there was about 400 yards where it was a courtesy track only. The farmer, out of kindness, had let the liveries on HIS farm take the short cut over his field from the bridleway to the lane. But the general riding public started using it, and it ended with the gate being locked as sheep were let out onto the public highway continually and the farmer had enough.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

here is the BHS advice on bridleways and crop fields

"A cross-field bridleway may be ploughed but must be reinstated to a minimum width of 2m within fourteen days of the disturbance to a state that is reasonably convenient to use and so the way is clear. If the field is subsequently cultivated again that cycle, the path must be reinstated within twenty-four hours.
Bridleways along field edges and all byways must not be ploughed at all and must be left at least 3m wide.

Hedges next to field edge paths must be cut back so the full width of the path is available.
Crops (other than grass) should not grow on or overhang a public right of way.

Farmers are recommended to stop sowing for the width of the path (and the height of the crop to each side of it to prevent it blocking the path if it collapses), or cut back the crop as it grows more than a height of about 150mm (6 inches) so the path is clear and easy to follow without brushing through the crop."

Hope this helps. If they dont follow this you are perfectly entitled to ride over/through the crop (assuming you are 100% sure about the route/position). Deviating from the route of the right of way technically puts you in the wrong altho if its easy to do and only a few yards then you might choose to do it.

But I would contact a RoW officer, who will tackle it for you at arms length without you having to do that.

 

[Gloi]

I ALWAYS contact the council rights of way office if there is a problem on a bridleway. I feel it's a duty to do so as we have so few round here and I want to make sure they are kept open. I contacted them about one where the gate by a cattlegrid had been blocked by the landowner filling the space with rubbish and his wheelybins and it got cleared in a week or so.

 

[Hoof_Prints]

I have the opposite! Bridlepath that is marked on my map as a footpath- but when riding by I saw a bridlepath sign post and hoof prints ! oh well.. can't complain about that !

Bit annoying that the land owner hadn't left a path, we had similar- harrowed the field and although a small track was left, it was only a tiny strip in the middle of the field! you had to ride over harrowed ground to actually reach it, then to get off it again. now the ground has hardened up a little its ok, because people and horses have flattened it a bit- but in the boggy winter we had it was usable unless you wanted to sink knee deep in mud

 

[Passtheshampoo]

I ALWAYS contact the council rights of way office if there is a problem on a bridleway. I feel it's a duty to do so as we have so few round here and I want to make sure they are kept open. I contacted them about one where the gate by a cattlegrid had been blocked by the landowner filling the space with rubbish and his wheelybins and it got cleared in a week or so.

Lucky you I reported 3 awkward heavy gates on one bridleway 3 years ago. Still have the holding letter saying they are dealing with it. Needless to say gates are still there and having spinal probs I can no longer use that route as I can't get off manouvre gates and get back on again without having done myself a nasty!